Federal Finance Administration

Observer

The FFA is the custodian of the federal coffers. When drawing up the budget and financial plan, it ensures that expenditure rises at a slower rate than receipts over an economic cycle, as required by the debt brake. Modern accounting standards and a critical view of the departments’ financial conduct form the basis for sound fiscal policy. The FFA is responsible for national fiscal equalization and prepares the statistics on Switzerland’s government units. It ensures that the Confederation has sufficient liquidity at all times and manages the federal debt. Moreover, the FFA draws up principles for monetary and economic policy issues for the Federal Council and prepares drafts that concern the Swiss National Bank. Together with relevant specialist departments, the FFA defends the Confederation’s interests vis-à-vis spun-off enterprises. The FFA’s transparent accounting ensures that Parliament and the people can see how their taxes are being spent.

The Central Compensation Office (CCO) and the Federal Mint Swissmint are attached to the FFA. The CCO is the central executive body of the Confederation in the area of the first pillar. Swissmint provides our country with the necessary small change by minting circulation coins.